More than promising...
After learning his trade at Monaco, Abdou Diallo forged his reputation in Germany and will now use his formidable talent for Paris Saint-Germain's benefit.
A stand-out performer in Monaco's youth teams, he made his senior debut aged 18 in a 1-0 win over Olympique de Marseille on 14 December, 2014. The Tours-born talent then decided to try and gain more playing time, and so joined SV Zulte Waregem on loan during the 2015/16 season.
In Belgium, he enjoyed a fruitful season, playing 33 matches and scoring three goals, switching with ease from central defence to midfield and back whenever necessary. His performances opened the door to the France U21 side, earning his first call-up in 2015 and making his debut in October 2016 alongside a certain Presnel Kimpembe.
After his return from his loan spell, he sought to establish himself at the Stade Louis II, and was - along with Kylian Mbappé - part of the Monaco squad crowned champions of France and that reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Diallo, however, had only a bit-part role, and so decided to head abroad again.
It was off to Germany this time where he joined Mainz, the club Thomas Tuchel used to coach. His ability with the ball at his feet, his game-smarts and leadership qualities impressed everyone whether at the heart of the back four or on the left. It was no coincidence he was handed the U21 captain's armband, leading them to the 2019 UEFA U21 EURO, a first for France since 2006.
After a remarkable season, he caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund - another of Tuchel's ex-clubs - and joined them in summer 2018. Under Lucien Favre, he soon became an indispensable figure in the Dortmund rearguard, playing both through the middle and as a full-back.
Overall, he made 38 appearances for BVB, including seven in the Champions League, as Dortmund finished Bundesliga runners-up, just two points behind Bayern Munich. An operation meant he missed the U21 EURO; now, he's ready to continue his progress in a Rouge-et-Bleu shirt.